Severe (D2) drought conditions continued across much of the northern half of Oklahoma during the month of February. Normal rainfall that fell for February did nothing to help the drought, considering precipitation totals are not usually high in February. Water worries continue over this area with lake levels remaining low. Even with beneficial above normal rainfall earlier this year, and the slow improvement of lake levels over the last 3 months, many boat docks and ramps still remained on dry ground. Many people did not venture out on area lakes this month due to prolonged cold spells, so recreation in and around the lake were minimally affected. Water rationing is starting to be considered, although most lakes are still considered at safe levels for everyday living. The agriculture industry continued to be hit hard by the drought. Recent rainfall has made for a good start to the wheat pasture growth. As wheat pastures flourish, this will help in cattle grazing. However, one additional problem to the many farmers have faced during this drought was the freeze burn on the wheat during the prolonged cold temperatures and freezing precipitation over a good portion of the month. Farmers had to supplement feeding for their cattle due to the wheat being frozen over, which was an additional unexpected cost. Above normal precipitation during the spring months will be the key for saving their remaining 2007 crops. The top 12 inches of the soil remains ok, but the soil below this remains very dry. The crop damage for the area was estimated at 500 thousand dollars.